I have a BMI of 38 am I able to get liposuction and tummy tuck?

Thank you for your question. To provide a valid medical opinion I will need to see pictures of you body from different angles. I would suggest to be treated by board certified plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.

Respectfully,
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Hello and thank you for your question.
Your BMI is to high to have surgery. You really want to bring that down to 30 or 31. To have optimal results you want to be at a healthy, stable weight. Best wishes!

A BMI of 38 is too high and puts you at high risk for complications. You can undergo liposuction, which can remove up to 10 lbs safely at one time. This will help reduce your weight and lower our BMI. Once your BMI is 32 or lower then you can consider a tummy tuck.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear RegalQueen,
generally speaking, you want to reach your goal weight before you consider a tummy tuck, otherwise your results will be suboptimal if you continue to lose weight after the surgery. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Thank you for sharing your question. In order to maximize your surgical outcomes, while minimizing risks, I would advocate continued weight loss until your BMI is closer to 30-32. Hope this helps.

A BMI of 35 is probably the upper limit that a board certified plastic surgeon would consider for this procedure. It is best to be within 10 pounds of your weight goal for three months prior to the lipo and TT to enhance the results and to minimize the risks of complications during and after surgery.

Hello, thanks for your question. The answer is no. You should have under 30 BMI for a successful Lipo and Tummy Tuck. In your case, you may need to reduce weight before or having a weigh-loss procedure such as Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Baloon, or another. Consult a doctor in your area for an in-person exam. Good luck!

A BMI under 30 is preferred to optimize cosmetic results and minimize complications. Losing weight will decrease your risk of infection, poor wound healing and seroma. See an expert.

When considering elective plastic surgery it is best to have a BMI below 30. Those above this threshold have higher risk of complications such as infection, poor wound healing and seroma. Losing weight beforehand also gives your surgeon the opportunity to optimize your results.

Most plastic surgeons suggest that you finish having children, get your weight within 10 pounds of your ideal weight, and have a BMI less than 30 before undergoing an abdominoplasty with repair of the stretched out abdominal muscles and liposuction of selective areas, in order to achieve the best long term cosmetic result with the least potential complications.

Keep in mind that following advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you what to do without examining you, physically feeling your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that you find a surgeon certified by the American Board of American Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, M.D., FACS

La Jolla, California